How to object: what to consider when composing your objection

The Council can only take into account 'material planning considerations' when looking at your comments. In this case, the most relevant of these (although not an exhaustive list) are as follows:

• Visual amenity - this means they must consider the impact on the views and surroundings that create the backdrop to an area, but not on the loss of any private views.

• Highway safety and traffic generation

• Noise and disturbance resulting from use

• Hazardous materials

• Smells

• Loss of trees

• Effect on listed buildings and conservation area

• Design, appearance and materials

• Landscaping

• Road access

• Local, strategic, regional and national planning policies

• Government circulars, orders and statutory instruments

• Compensation and awards of costs against the Council at public enquiries

• Proposals in the Development Plan

• Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)

• Nature conservation

• Archaeology

The Council does not take into account any of the following. These kinds of concerns are sometimes raised but will normally be disregarded:

• A perceived loss of property value

• The loss of a private view

• The impact of construction work

• Restrictive covenants

• Ownership disputes over rights of way

• Personal morals or views about the applicant

We welcome feedback and corrections. If we’ve made any errors in the above, please do get in touch!